Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Joanna took part in a six-year trial of screening for ovarian cancer. She feels some aspects of the trial were not well managed. Her husband, who had leukaemia and died recently, also took part in trials.
Joanna is an architect. She is widowed, and has three grown-up children Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Jayne had breast cancer aged 33. She wanted to join a clinical trial but her consultant was not interested, so she transferred to another hospital and took part in a trial comparing tamoxifen with tamoxifen plus goserelin (Zoladex).
Jayne is a Consultant orthodontist, married to a GP, with 2 children, aged 8 and 5. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Wendy was invited to take part in a chemotherapy trial after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. She decided to take part, and was allocated to the experimental group. She experienced quite severe side effects but continued to the end of the treatment.
Wendy is a teaching assistant. She’s married with 3 children aged 16, 14 and 14 Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Sue's first baby was born by emergency caesarean. In her next pregnancy she took part in a trial looking at different types of information and decision aids about birth choices for women who had already had one caesarean. She was pleased to be involved.
Sue used to work as a financial adviser and veterinary nurse. She’s married with 2 children aged 5 and 1, to whom she’s now a full-time mother. Ethnic background/nationality: White...
Troy first experienced anxiety and depression when he was 21. At his mother's encouragement, he saw a GP, who referred him to a psychotherapist and prescribed antidepressants. After several months of counselling and medication, Troy felt sufficiently well to cease both forms of therapy. With his family's help he started an Honours year at university, and feels much more settled. Troy says he learned some useful strategies for managing his mental health in future.
Troy is a full-time student. He shares a house with two other people. Ethnic background’ Anglo-Australian.
Kymberly migrated to Australia from Canada at the age of 18. She describes a history of depression within her family. Kymberly briefly experienced postnatal depression after the births of each of her children, and recurrent anxiety and insomnia over the years. After her mother's death, and the social isolation that followed her marriage breakdown, she sought help for her distress. Through alternative therapies, counselling, exercise, and antidepressants Kymberly feels she is getting better.
Kymberly is separated with two children, aged 14 and 8. She is qualified as a bookkeeper and personal assistant but has chosen not to work at present. Kimberly is also...
Emma was diagnosed with postnatal depression following the birth of her second child. This came as a complete shock as was her first experience of mental health problems. Practical and emotional support from her mother and sister, talking therapy, and antidepressant medication helped Emma through this difficult period. After a year she felt she was back to her 'old self' and was able to cease her medication. She would like to see her counsellor again for some 'maintenance therapy'.
Emma is an occupational therapist currently on maternity leave. She lives with her husband and two young children. Ethnic background’ Anglo-Australian.
Debra has experienced anxiety and panic attacks for 22 years and was diagnosed with depression nine years ago. In Debra's experience the anxiety and depression are linked, and she often experiences depression following a period of bad anxiety. To help her mental health, she has used a combination of medication and different therapy techniques, including psychotherapy and mindfulness. Debra completed a mental health qualification and is volunteering as a mental health peer support worker.
Debra is engaged to her partner, with whom she shares a home. Her two children from her first marriage live with their father. She is currently volunteering and studying part-time....
Stewart was diagnosed with depression in 2010 after not being 'himself' for a couple of years. He attributes this to the accumulated effects of the loss of a number of close family members over the years and an unsettled (though loving) childhood. A supportive and insightful GP, medication and cognitive behavioural therapy have helped his recovery.
Stewart is a self-employed tradesperson. He is married and has two children. Ethnic background’ Australian.
Andrew has struggled with depression as well as chronic physical health problems for most of his life. His 13 years of marriage were a happier period, but after his wife's sudden death from a heart attack, his mental and physical health deteriorated and he was diagnosed with depression. He has found attending a mental health peer support group to be very helpful, together with antidepressant medication and regular visits to his GP.
Andrew is widowed, lives alone, and works as a storekeeper. He is a member of a peer support mental health group. Ethnic background’ Australian.
